BajaNomad - The Beach, Birds and Bumps in Baja: July 17-20, 2010 (Part 4 of 4)

The Beach, Birds and Bumps in Baja: July 17-20, 2010 (Part 4 of 4)

David K - 7-25-2010 at 04:01 PM

Continued from Part 3:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=46887

We pull up to Coco’s Corner a little after 3:30 Monday afternoon and learn that Coco is in Ensenada for a couple of months. Ramón is watching the Corner in Coco’s absence. We buy a couple of ice cold Pacificos and add my cards to Coco’s wall of cards. Hanging overhead is a collection of underwear and other paraphernalia donated by passers-by.

We say goodbye to Ramón and head south. The final 13 miles to Highway 1 are better than the previous road by a bit. However, my BFG Rugged Trail tire on the right rear got punctured, within sight of Highway One!

My low tire pressure warning light came on before I felt the flat. Before the tire was totally flat, I found the hole and we rolled the truck to where I could plug the hole. It took two plugs, but the air stopped leaking and held after refilling the tire. It would be good for the 108 miles to El Rosario. A sign at the highway advertised tire repairs and gasoline at Rancho Nueva Chapala, 1 km. south.

Cataviña is about 32 miles from Laguna Chapala and we pulled into Alfonso’s gasoline sales trailer (across the highway from the Desert Inn Hotel, just north of the abandoned Parador gas station).

Desert Inn as seen from the gasoline trailer.

Two young ladies were on duty and we purchased 5 gallons of gas for $16 dollars ($3.20: gallon). This gave us security that we could reach El Rosario as my gauge showed us close to ¼ tank from San Felipe.

Nearing El Rosario, we see that the widening of Highway One is underway from the edge of town to the previous section of widened road done last year.

The bridge over the El Rosario riverbed was damaged last January. A paved detour crosses the valley alongside the bridge.

About a mile of new, unpaved roadbed at the entrance to El Rosario.

We arrive at Baja Cactus to check in and meet BajaFam, who are just ahead of us, checking in. I get to vouch that they are Nomads, as Lionel couldn’t find his Nomad card, for the special discount. Remember, Discover Baja Travel Club members have the same discount, as well!

We freshen-up and walk over to Mama Espinoza’s for dinner. We pick the big round table as BajaFam said they wanted to visit with us, alas they didn’t arrive until we had finished (getting small children ready sometimes takes longer!). As we were eating (crab and carne burritos), a couple approached us and said they recognized us, and wanted to say hello. They were Nick and Kathy ‘ncampion’ on Baja Nomad, heading to Loreto.
What fun it was to meet new Baja Nomad members this day, and both in El Rosario.

A new special treat was in store for us after dinner when we returned to Baja Cactus Motel. The front desk manager, Carmen informed us that we could have ‘His and Hers’ massages by Roxana. Oh boy, another great reason to spend the night at Baja Cactus!

Roxana brought the massage table up to our room, plugged in the sound of waves and sea gulls (like we were back on Shell Island, other sound choices available, too) and gave Baja Angel and I the most relaxing massages. I picked the Swedish massage, which is a head to toe relaxing massage for the long day’s drive. Baja Angel was next, with the Sport Massage that concentrated on the back and legs. The motel desk has a list of massages and prices available. This is one treat well worth the cost (under $35) for an hour of soothing comfort.

The next morning, we awoke totally relaxed and in no great hurry to leave El Rosario. I did want to have a patch put in the tire that I plugged yesterday, even though the plugs didn’t allow any air to escape, overnight. The tire shop next to the plaza, on the same side of the highway did the work ($10). Next, we drove to Primo’s La Bocana Beach (Sinahi Motel) Restaurant for breakfast. We didn’t get to see Primo, but the service was fast being the only customers there.

After checking out of our room at Baja Cactus, we went to the gas station, next door and topped the tank. We had traveled 267 miles since filling up at El Dorado Ranch north of San Felipe. 12.8 gallons was added at Baja Cactus Pemex, plus the 5 gallons added at Cataviña, meant my mileage (including a bit of deep sand four wheeling and the 63.7 dirt miles from El Huerfanito to Laguna Chapala) was 15 MPG. Now, the pure highway driving from El Rosario back home to Oceanside via Tecate (303 miles, 15.8 gallons) gave me 19.2 MPG, my best mileage so far in my 2010 Tacoma.

For a second time, we stopped to have our car washed at this place in San Vicente, on the north side of the bridge construction.

They did a very nice job, as before after our Mision Santa Maria trip. He worked on it an hour and only wanted to charge us 70 pesos. I gave him 140 pesos and still believed I got a great deal. There is a nice taco stand with tables there, and they speak English.

North of Santo Tomas we came upon the widening of Hwy. 1 project. The work goes all the way to Maneadero.

Highway 3 from Ensenada to Tecate was great with 4 lanes to San Antonio de las Minas completed and new, wider 2 lanes on past Guadalupe (Francisco Zarco). However, from Valle Las Palmas to Tecate (14 miles) there are 4 dirt detours as the road south from Tecate is being widened. The four detours totaled nearly 7 miles, and will make the trip run longer than expected.

The border wait was only 12 minutes starting at 7:14 pm that Tuesday. The three military checkpoints we encountered (El Rosario Mesa, Santo Tomas North, Valle Las Palmas) were all fairly fast and easy. Gasoline (south of the border zone) was $2.52/ gallon at Pemex stations and $3.20 at Cataviña’s ‘emergency depot’.

As before, this was another great trip into Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula with no problems caused by crime or cops. Businesses were all nice to deal with, and they all expressed the hope for a return of tourists.

Until our next trip south, adios amigos!
David y Elizabeth

surfer jim - 7-25-2010 at 05:22 PM

What is the NOMAD card that you mentioned for Baja Cactus discount?

The "underware" hanging around Cocos Corner just don't do much for me.

[Edited on 7-26-2010 by surfer jim]

[Edited on 7-26-2010 by surfer jim]

dtbushpilot - 7-25-2010 at 06:08 PM

Thanks DK, great trip report.....dt

rts551 - 7-25-2010 at 06:14 PM

Did David leave his underwear there? He looks pretty excited in the picture.

Maybe just a wedgie

David K - 7-25-2010 at 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
What is the NOMAD card that you mentioned for Baja Cactus discount?

The "underware" hanging around Cocos Corner just don't do much for me.

[Edited on 7-26-2010 by surfer jim]

[Edited on 7-26-2010 by surfer jim]

Look here... and Doug also has a link for the card (however, it has a 2009 expiration date! DOUG!??

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=36824

http://www.bajanomad.com/club/card.htm

[Edited on 7-26-2010 by David K]

BajaNomad - 7-25-2010 at 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Look here... and Doug also has a link for the card (however, it has a 2009 expiration date! DOUG!??

http://www.bajanomad.com/club/card.htm

Expiration updated to 2011. :biggrin:

Marc - 7-25-2010 at 09:34 PM

There used to be a tire shop at the Chapala road & highway one. Back in August '08 we stopped there to re-inflate after going through Gonzaga from S. Felipe. The shop compressor was not working so we asked one of the 18 wheeler drivers parked by the road if we could use theirs. They have on board compressors. Several of the truck drivers had their whole families with them. The shop was gone the next time i went by next October.

[Edited on 7-26-2010 by Marc]

TMW - 7-26-2010 at 07:09 AM

Thanks for the report DK, love the pixs.

BajaGringo - 7-26-2010 at 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
There used to be a tire shop at the Chapala road & highway one. Back in August '08 we stopped there to re-inflate after going through Gonzaga from S. Felipe. The shop compressor was not working so we asked one of the 18 wheeler drivers parked by the road if we could use theirs. They have on board compressors. Several of the truck drivers had their whole families with them. The shop was gone the next time i went by next October.

[Edited on 7-26-2010 by Marc]

In the top five on your list when traveling in Baja should be to always carry an air compressor. I actually carry two as I have had one fail on me in the past.

Great report David - how long was the drive from Coco's to Cataviña?

David K - 7-26-2010 at 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Coco's to Hwy. 1 is 13.1 miles, and took us 47 minutes with a flat tire repair included... That tire repair time was only about 20 minutes max. (I think).

I stopped logging at the highway, other than to record the mileage to El Rosario's Pemex (108.8 miles). It is about 32-34 miles to Cataviña from Chapala... and took maybe 40-45 minutes.

So, Cataviña to Coco's was about 46 miles, and 1 hr. 15 min. time.

desertcpl - 7-26-2010 at 10:51 AM

David

as usual great trip report,

How can I get a Nomad card and a sticker?

the Tienda here is not working

David K - 7-26-2010 at 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
David

as usual great trip report,

How can I get a Nomad card and a sticker?

the Tienda here is not working

The card link is above (and here: http://www.bajanomad.com/club/card.htm )

Doug must be working on the Tienda, as it doesn't open for me, either.

Marc - 7-26-2010 at 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

You are quite right! I have all the info on compressors. I'm just to lazy to go out and get one. I have a small battery/compressor from the Harrington Cataloge that will probably work if I need it....maybe.

David K - 7-27-2010 at 07:20 AM

Harbor Freight and Baja Nomad Tienda sell units that fill three times faster than the cigarette lighter air pumps... both are well under $100... under 3 minutes from 10 to 30 psi (6 psi per minute), where as the others take about 10 minutes per tire. (2 psi per minute)

[Edited on 7-28-2010 by David K]

wessongroup - 7-27-2010 at 11:24 AM

Wow, that is some tough road DK.. as you have a new rig.. with relatively new tires..

How many and type plugs do carry..... sounds like a very good idea..

Have a couple of XPower Powerpack 400 Plus, which have 250 psi compressors.. and have used it to inflate a low tire and it was not too bad...

Thanks for all the work.. always like travel pictures... and you guys seem to be having a really good time.. Cheer UP!!! :lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2010 by wessongroup]

David K - 7-27-2010 at 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
Wow, that is some tough road DK.. as you have a new rig.. with reality new tires..

How many and type plugs do carry..... sounds like a very good idea..

Have a couple of XPower Powerpack 400 Plus, which have 250 psi compressors.. and have used it to inflate a low tire and it was not too bad...

Thanks for all the work.. always like travel pictures... and you guys seem to be having a really good time.. Cheer UP!!! :lol:

Oh, nothing fancy... I think it came is a tube shaped cardboard can. Has a couple sets uf the gooey plugs, the reemer tool to clean out the hole, and the insert tool. I really should pick up a better kit (as long as I have BFG tires on my Tacoma)!

Here is the muy rapido air pump from Harbor Freight...

207 113r.JPG - 38kB

wessongroup - 7-27-2010 at 06:29 PM

from the look of your tire.. that road is a tough one..... as it appears to have a lot of meat on it... some sharp ones, out there..

David K - 7-27-2010 at 06:43 PM

That photo was taken in Feb. 2007, different truck (2005 Taco), different tires (Cooper Discoverer STTs), same air pump (was new then). It is the only photo I bothered to take of the muy rapido air pump.

The new Taco has BFG Rugged Trail T/As (They are called 'Rugged Fails' on Tacoma World Forums, lol). They have about 13,000 miles on them when the one got a flat. I had 3 or 4 flats on the BFGs back in 2001/2001 New Years trip... what apain. They were much more worn then these, however.

The Cooper Discoverer STTs or Cooper Discoverer ATRs I also had never got a flat... Nor did the Toyo Open Country ATs I also had on my 2005 Taco.

[Edited on 7-28-2010 by David K]

Udo - 7-27-2010 at 06:51 PM

The best tire plug kit is the BLACK JACK
http://www.backjacktirerepair.com

I bought all of mine (one in every car plus one for the RV), from the internet. I don't remember whom, but I paid about $40.00. The kit has a metal insert tool and reamer, plus you get a nice case that holds about 100 plugs. Along with the kit, you should add a pair of wire side-cutters and a small screwdriver/icepick so you can poke out the nails/cactusneedles/twigs, etc., Plus you need to add a single edge razor blade to cut the left-over tire plug sticking out of the tire (yes, you can use the side cutter, but the razor leaves a cleaner cut).

Quote:

How many and type plugs do carry..... sounds like a very good idea..

David K - 7-27-2010 at 06:54 PM

Thanks Udo... I would like to get that... as long as I have BFGs on the Toyota!

http://www.blackjacktirerepair.com/

[Edited on 7-28-2010 by David K]

Udo - 7-27-2010 at 07:05 PM

Thanks for the www link correction, David!

Skipjack Joe - 7-27-2010 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
The best tire plug kit is the BLACK JACK
http://www.backjacktirerepair.com

I bought all of mine (one in every car plus one for the RV), from the internet. I don't remember whom, but I paid about $40.00. The kit has a metal insert tool and reamer, plus you get a nice case that holds about 100 plugs. Along with the kit, you should add a pair of wire side-cutters and a small screwdriver/icepick so you can poke out the nails/cactusneedles/twigs, etc., Plus you need to add a single edge razor blade to cut the left-over tire plug sticking out of the tire (yes, you can use the side cutter, but the razor leaves a cleaner cut).

Quote:

How many and type plugs do carry..... sounds like a very good idea..

missed the 'L':

http://www.blackjacktirerepair.com/

wessongroup - 7-27-2010 at 08:05 PM

Thanks to all.. it all helps..

Pacifico - 7-27-2010 at 08:23 PM

Not to beat a dead horse, but I agree that the Blackjack kit is a great kit. My next purchase will be a Powertank to go along with it.....

https://secure.powertank.com/about.us

Pacifico - 7-27-2010 at 08:25 PM

By the way, looks like a great trip David and Elizabeth!!!

David K - 7-28-2010 at 07:10 AM

Thanks Pacifico... For us, all Baja trips are great... some even more than others!

wessongroup - 7-28-2010 at 08:08 AM

Fish, why the tank over a compressor?.. just curious..

Have a portable Ingersoll Rand Twin-Stack which I had thought about bring down for various things.. along with filling of a spare tank to toss in the Bronco too..

But, had a compressor which would pump up a tire... OK.. also have an inverter set up on the Bronco.. so could take the only compressor.. but too much.. trying to get it down more.. keep adding to the amount of things that would be stuffed into the Bronco.. if we get to take off.. trying to cull it down..

But, still listening to any ideas about travel down here, how to and what to take as it still is a bit different that the States .... DK's pictures help a lot on planing, along with DianaT's ... shots of those roads, and the one of DK's beefy tire punctured by a rock... well, let's just say it was not washed on me.. had a rock do that to a tire one time.. but it was on a Cad.. on the Ortega Hwy between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore in a driving rain storm.. was so bad they closed the road ... was a mess.. had to turn around at the bridge and go all the way back to Elsinore.. and got a tire.. and then went the long way back home to the Saddle Back Valley ... stuck in my mind.. a sharp rock just popping that tire.. like a ballon..

David K - 7-28-2010 at 08:31 PM

Again, the 'beefy' tire did NOT get punctured... That photo was only to show the Harbor Freight Air Compressor... That photo from Feb. 2007 when I had Cooper Discoverer STTs. The new (13,000 miles on it) 2010 Tacoma has BFG Rugged Trail TAs, that was what couldn't stake a pointy rock.

Great thread, David!

Ken Cooke - 8-2-2010 at 12:10 AM

I run 2 VIAIR compressors (similar to David K's), and a 2.5 gal VIAIR air tank. In 100,000 miles, the Interco TrXus MT tires have not failed me - just one puncture on the beach in Gonzaga Bay when I drove over some small, sharp sticks.

Interco TrXus MT - a solid Baja performer

Eli - 8-2-2010 at 07:56 AM

Looks Like You and Elizabeth has some real happy trails, good for you!

David K - 8-2-2010 at 03:57 PM

Thanks Sara... Yes , we are a great team, over 5 years of Baja travels together with a lifetime more to come!

pal57 - 9-18-2010 at 07:12 AM

Hi David,
Loved so much your 4 part trip report, the fotos are very awsome and makes me remember the days that I was in Baja.
The beaches are peacefull and from the fotos I can hear the silence of the land.

The road site are infinity long, trying to think what will be beyond the skyline.

But the real image that reminds me of Baja is the desert site and its flora. Panorama that we don't have here in Italy, maybe in Sardegna.

Thank you again for the wonderful trip report of Baja.

Bye Pal57.

Jack Swords - 9-18-2010 at 10:24 AM

Thanks for the recent trip report David. Some day need to get you back down to BCS. You got the "need Baja" going, but we don't head down until the end of November. Congrats on the new truck, we just got a new 4Runner (2010) to replace the 2006 4Runner. Now thinking of setting up for the offroad trips in BCS. Good reminder on the plugs. A siphon hose is also a must have for me (rancho gas).

Great report and photos -- you look happy! Nice.

Lee - 9-18-2010 at 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

David K - 9-19-2010 at 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pal57
Hi David,
Loved so much your 4 part trip report, the fotos are very awsome and makes me remember the days that I was in Baja.
The beaches are peacefull and from the fotos I can hear the silence of the land.

The road site are infinity long, trying to think what will be beyond the skyline.

But the real image that reminds me of Baja is the desert site and its flora. Panorama that we don't have here in Italy, maybe in Sardegna.

Thank you again for the wonderful trip report of Baja.

Bye Pal57.

Thank you Pal57!!! Is your San Marino Guide web page/ forum still up? I sure hope to take Elizabeth there (San Marino and Italy) someday!

David K - 9-19-2010 at 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Thank you Lee... and we just came back from Baja, again... all smiles!

David K - 9-19-2010 at 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Swords
Thanks for the recent trip report David. Some day need to get you back down to BCS. You got the "need Baja" going, but we don't head down until the end of November. Congrats on the new truck, we just got a new 4Runner (2010) to replace the 2006 4Runner. Now thinking of setting up for the offroad trips in BCS. Good reminder on the plugs. A siphon hose is also a must have for me (rancho gas).

Great news Jack!

I hope your new 4Runner has the A-TRAC... It is quite amazing to have the power of that motor applied to any one or all 4 tires, no matter if 1, 2, or 3 of them haven't any traction! Just on tire on solid ground and that can pull you out.

We spent the afternoon on my birthday visiting Las Pintas again... but this time, we drove around and went up top and saw so many petroglyphs I had't seen before. I remember you telling me you spent a couple days up there exploring. The access road is pretty knarly and I used the A-TRAC where we were along the top of that mud hill ridge with both sides dropping away!

Bajafun777 - 9-20-2010 at 06:54 AM

Great report and pics David. Hopefully, our trip to Cabo from Las Gaviotas will be problem free but you just never know. I have so much "What If Equipment" stored on my Jeep compartment, hopefully I will not need any of it.
When I was getting new tires put on my Jeep they had to get into my locked compartment area for the tire locking key device and the tire people said they wished they had half the equipment I have stored away in that compartment. Told them it was for Mexico encounters, which hopefully will be just lane markers breezing by. LOL Take Care & Travel Safe bajafun777

Ken Cooke - 2-14-2011 at 03:32 PM

David, is this your last Baja Trip thread of 2010? Inquiring minds want to know! :?:

David K - 2-14-2011 at 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
David, is this your last Baja Trip thread of 2010? Inquiring minds want to know! :?:

NO... On Sept. 18, 2010 (my 53 birthday) we went to Las Pintas Fossil Grotto and stayed at Baja Cactus in El Rosario that weekend... SEE THE TRIP (2 parts): http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=47965

:bounce:

Wow! You're UNSTOPPABLE!

Ken Cooke - 2-15-2011 at 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
David, is this your last Baja Trip thread of 2010? Inquiring minds want to know! :?:

You must have "Baja Blood Infection"! :!:

David K - 2-15-2011 at 07:17 PM

I have Baja Fever baaaad... right after I caught the Baja Bug! That was back in 1965-6 (Mexicali to Gonzaga Bay and to Tijuana to Cabo, by Jeep those two years)... It was awesome...

Ken Cooke - 2-15-2011 at 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I have Baja Fever baaaad... right after I caught the Baja Bug! That was back in 1965-6 (Mexicali to Gonzaga Bay and to Tijuana to Cabo, by Jeep those two years)... It was awesome...

Believe it or not, Leidys has Baja Fever and she wants to see what exists south of San Felipe!

David K - 2-15-2011 at 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Believe it or not, Leidys has Baja Fever and she wants to see what exists south of San Felipe!

Well, that is good to hear... Last time you said she was so freaked by stuff she saw in Tijuana or wherever, she didn't want to go back! Shell Island is in the plans for Memorial Day weekend...